Referee Jerome Boger and his team of six made history at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night by becoming the first all-black team to run an NFL competition.
The reigning team came into play with impressive credentials, particularly veteran 17-year-old Boger who is the third black referee in NFL history. He was promoted by the linesman in 2006.
“I am proud of my legacy and I am delighted that I will take part in this historic game,” said Boger in advance of the game.
“The opportunity to work with a large group of black officials and demonstrate our expertise in carrying out our assignment is something I am very much looking forward to.”
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Boger was joined by Barry Anderson, referee, 14-year-old civil servant; Anthony Jeffries, auxiliary judge, three-year civil servant; Carl Johnson, linesman, 17 year old civil servant; Julian Mapp, Down judge, 12 year old civil servant; Dale Shaw, field judge, eight year old civil servant; and Greg Steed, back judge, 18 year old civil servant.
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Rams quarterback Jared Goff linked up with Robert Woods on a four-yard touchdown pass who had just under four minutes left in the first quarter for the All-Black crew’s first touchdown. The Rams won the game between 27 and 24.
“This historic week 11 team is testament to the myriad and immeasurable contributions to the game by black officials, their exemplary performance and the inclusiveness that is the hallmark of this great game,” said Troy Vincent, vice president of the League for Football Operations. said.
Anderson, Mapp, Shaw and Jeffries have worked with Boger several times. Boger was the umpire for Super Bowl XLVII, and Anderson, Johnson and Steed were part of the reigning Super Bowl LIV team.
– AFP
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